Over $32 million spent on dog bites since 2015

The number of reported dog bites has increased from over 8,400 in 2014 to a staggering 13,700+ in 2020, The Dog Safe Workplace reports, but say their training has started to see this number drop

Every year we commission a report from ACC regarding dog bite statistics. It is classified by age, gender, region and industry. Since we started The Dog Safe Workplace we have seen an increase from over 8,400 reported bites in 2014 to a staggering 13,700+ in 2020.

Though we are still saddened to see over 13,000 bites, because of training and education we are starting to see a gradual reduction in dog bites. Our highest recorded year was 2017 with over 14,500 reported bites.

With Covid-19, lockdown and the inability for people to move around, we expected to see a large decrease in dog bites, especially in industry. Unfortunately that was not the case. Many industries saw a leap in the number of reported bites that their workers experienced. • The food delivery industry reported a massive increase of 325%. • Postal services went up by 30% • Courier pickup and delivery services by 16%.

Why? According to studies done in the United Kingdom by Dogs Trust UK and the Paediatric Journal of Medicine, there had been a serious change in dog behaviour. This included an increase in attention demanding behaviour. Dogs that are normally friendly are moving away when approached, an increase in barking and sadly a 400% increase in dog bites.

A delivery person told us that because the dog owners were home, he expected their behaviour would improve or that they would be safer because the owner knows their dog's behaviour. This is not the case.

Dogs can become more protective if family members are around and many owners don’t understand what their dog is saying.

We have read many media articles where the owner has said “don’t worry he won’t bite” only for the dog to have already bitten.

One postie in NSW Australia said that she thought the dog was running to greet her because its tail was wagging. After a trip to A&E, she now knows this is not true.

Our advice to anyone entering a property where dogs may be present is to be aware of canine body language. Look at the whole body of the dog not just the tail. Remember just because his tail is wagging does not mean he is happy to see you.

A few facts

• Dog bites cost New Zealanders over $5.6 million in 2020 • Since 2015 we have spent a shocking $32 million on dog related incidents • Women receive more bites than men • 25-29 year olds received the most bites

If you would like any more information or you would like to discuss your options please contact us on: jo@dogsafeworkplace.com 0508 DOG SAFE +64 27 737244